While
fasting, say to the body: “Let go
of the soul and release it from your bonds that it may delight in God.
You fast that your soul may be released from the bonds of the body.
Desire for food is one of these bonds. These are also other ties such as
bodily lusts.

Defeating the body through fasting, is
also accomplished by staying away from marital relationships, provided it is done "with consent.” (1 Cor 7:5). As the Prophet Joel
says about fasting, “Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And
the bride from her dressing room.” (Joel 2:16), and as was said
about king Darius when he cast
Daniel into the den, he “spent the
night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him.” (Dan
6:18).

Even the mere adornment of the body was
referred to by the
Prophet
Daniel in his fast. He said: “nor did I
anoint myself at all“ and “till three whole weeks were fulfilled.“
and “I ate no pleasant food.” (Dan 10:3).

Vanquishing the body is not an aim in
itself but rather a vehicle for the soul.

Vanquishing the body is necessary lest it
should digress and lead to the destruction of the soul. On this matter,
the apostle says in earnest, “But I discipline my body and bring it
into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should
become disqualified.” (1 Cor 9:27). When the body is vanquished, the
soul takes control and the body not resisting, but collaborating with it
and submitting to its leadership.

Therefore, control your body and keep it
wisely from all futile enjoyment, luxury, and lust.

It is not enough that you fast, for
you also need to overcome the lust for food.